Philadelphia

Deli Top Performer: Cold Cave

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Philly/New York outfit Cold Cave is chilled out gloomy New Wave for millennials. Catchy hooks and textured synth make ex-hardcore fiend Wesley Eisold’s current project easy to love. Love Comes Close originally released under Eisley’s independent publishing company Heartworm Press, and picked up by Matador Records after receiving much blog love. Electro dark wave synth jams seem to go hand in hand with the post-modern condition, making this three-piece a total godsend. A fan of post-punk acts like Sisters of Mercy and New Order, Cold Cave’s mastermind Eisold upcycles familiar backbeats with moody synth distortion. His forlorn sexy vocals mesh perfectly with ex-Xiu Xiu Caralee McElroy and Dominick Fernow’s (a.k.a. Prurient) instrumentation. Between their 12” Death Comes Close and their full-length Love Comes Close, Cold Cave has a knack for reviving the pluse of the ‘80s underground, making their electro-pop compositions feel like a dreamy Depeche Mode or New Order’s Substance on downers. Listen to tracks like “Life Magazine,” which you may have heard recently in a national Radio Shack commercial, with its synthesized handclaps and vocal loops, and it becomes obvious that Cold Cave isn’t afraid of being compared to bands of yesteryear. Already the next big thing, Cold Cave’s “Heavenly Metals” says it all, “it’s not my dream anymore, it’s ours.” So dig in, before they break up. myspace.com/coldcave – Dianca Potts

 

 
Philadelphia

Deli Top Performer: Orbit to Leslie

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Orbit to Leslie is the spacey colorful brainchild of drummer Chris Wood who splits beats with Grimace Federation and Downtown Harvest. Also joined by members of Oso, OTL has been creating quite a buzz around town with their recent release, The World Was Saved With Chocolate Cake, hovering between Queen and Fela Kuti with infusions of rock, surf, and aftro-beat. OTL isn’t lost in space with their Rubik’s Cube of influences, but have created their own versatile and innovative sonic universe with Wood at the helm. His killer drumbeats serve as the gravitational pull to guide OTL’s spinning kaleidoscope of sounds. myspace.com/orbittoleslie – Jaime Pannone

Philadelphia

The Donuts Back from Hiatus at JB’s Jan. 30

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After an eighteen month long hiatus, J. Bearclaw, Johnny Taint and the rest of The Donuts have come back onto the scene with not one but two albums, Jet Ear and 5-4-5. And once you hear songs like “Guantanamo”, “Justice In The Desert”, and “The Sign Up”, you’ll realize how little of a beat the band has missed. And when you see Chapter 7 Records kick up the music at Johnny Brenda’s tonight, it will feel like they haven’t taken a break at all. They’ll be joined by long-time friends Beretta 76, who has also been on a bit of a hiatus so they could record a brand new album that they hope to release in early 2010. But the quartet will prove that their still masters of whiskey nights and stark urbanity. They’ll be joined by The Broken Prayers, who are still feeling the highs of their last album Crow. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/thedonutsrock (Photo by Matteo) – Bill McThrill
 
Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, January 29 – 31

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If you haven’t heard yet, the Live Nation/Ticketmaster merger was approved this week. The new company will be called Live Nation Entertainment. What does that mean for already ridiculous ticket prices? Our magic eight ball says, “Outcome Not Good!” Looks like big business and government relations remain status quo with the new crew in office, but we didn’t really expect that to be different. Are you disturbed by this news? What can you do about it? We suggest writing a letter to your Representative – NOT. That’s stupid. Who rights letters anymore anyways? OK, we’re done being stupid. Well, it’s a perfect time to act locally. Support the DIY venues that we are lucky enough to have in Philly! They run on volunteers so donate! JB’s and R5 have been using Ticketfly, which helps build some fair competition in this lopsided marketplace. They’ve been doing a great job at keeping ticket prices reasonable for some great acts, but we’d suggest buying tickets at the box office to save you some more cash. OK, we’ll get off our soapboxes now, and get to the fun stuff. Where should you definitely make it out to this weekend? We heart POWER ANIMAL! After catching them at Orbit to Leslie’s sold out CD Release Party at JB’s that The Deli was fortunate to present, we can’t wait to see them again. With a full band, Keith Hampson has really created a most excellent live show with his beautiful experimental pop tunes as the foundation. If you were shut out that evening, the Orbit to Leslie boys will be joining them tonight at Danger Danger Gallery. More good times! Good times! Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 9pm, $5 – $10 Donation, 21+ myspace.com/poweranimalpa
 
Other places to stay indoors…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Victory Over Leukemia w/The Swimmers, Audible, East Hundred, SAT Beretta 76, The Donuts, Broken Prays

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) SUN The G and The Spooks

MarBar (200 S. 40th St.) FRI Swift Technique, SUN Cultureal
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI The New Connection, SAT Ruder Than You, SUN Absinthe Drinkers

The Khyber (56 S. 2nd St.) FRI The Chimeras CD Release Party w/Busses and Caterpillar

M Room (12 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Acres of Diamonds, SAT Fooling April

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT (Downstairs) Jealousy Curve

Blockley Pourhouse (3801 Chestnut St.) FRI The Moxy, Stonethrown, Colofield Theory

Tritone (1508 South St.) FRI The Three 4 Ten, SAT Sugartown’s 9th Anniversay w/Bell Bell Album Release Party
The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.) FRI Philly NORML Kickoff w/ Agent Moosehead, Psychedelphia, Si Senorita, SAT Crazy Man Crazy, Shakey Lyman, The Speedkings
Green Line Café (4426 Locust St.) SAT Faux Slang
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Lion Versus and Lady

 

 
Philadelphia

The Chimeras CD Release Show at The Khyber Jan. 29

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The Chimeras bring their fun, jangly garage rock to The Khyber tonight to celebrate their latest release, Her, aptly titled since it’s a concept album in which each song tells the story of a different girl and all the tracks have female names. We find these W. Philly stalwarts joined by Busses, whom we predict good things from once their debut album drops which was produced by our local favorite man behind the board Jeff Zeigler. I guess, ladies, this night’s for you! The Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9pm, $8, 21+ myspace.com/thechimeras – Bill McThrill
 
Philadelphia

Victory Over Leukemia: A Benefit for the JMML Foundation at JB’s Jan. 29

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Like we’ve said before, WE HATE CANCER! And we do like Victory Hop Devil (well, except when it’s hand-pumped – sorry JB’s), and Golden Monkey is good to get your drunk on. So tonight you can support a worthwhile cause when Victory Brewing presents “Victory Over Leukemia: A Benefit for the JMML Foundation”. They’ll be joined by The Swimmers, Audible and East Hundred. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 pm, $10, 21+ jmmlfoundation.org – The Deli Staff
 
Philadelphia

Lion Versus Rises from the South at The Fire Jan. 29

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The sticky, sweet voice of Hilary White can come from nowhere other than the deep south. Originally from Georgia, Lion Versus brings southern charm to Philly in the most unexpected of ways. The artfully crafted acoustic waves that lap on to the shore behind White’s soulful vocals are simple enough to allow the beautiful lyrics to enjoy the spotlight. The soft sounds of Lion Versus are a welcome adversary to some of the more adrenalin- fueled bands we’re used to. Let’s just say that we’re lucky Lion Versus crossed the Mason Dixon line and ended up in Philly. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave, 9pm, $7, 21+ myspace.com/lionversus – Meaghan McCafferty
 
Philadelphia

The Deli Presents Lunchtime Escape at The Bellevue Jan. 29!

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January is not over yet, and neither are we. Are you looking forward to the weekend already? Well, so are we. That’s why we’re happy to present to you a little Lunchtime Escape this Friday, January 29th at The Bellevue. We’ll be serving up free alcohol in The Food Court at The Bellevue! No, not really – just wanted to get your attention. Are you sad now? Well, we want to cheer you up with a healthy dose of free live music! No really – this Friday at NOON will be the debut of The Deli’s Lunchtime Escape. To take you away from that annoying 9-to-5 job, we’ll be serving up a taste of Andrew Conly from Holcomb Family Band with his earnest vocals and captivating storytelling, Dante Bucci one of the world’s premier Hang drum masters, and the female reincarnation of Woody Guthrie, Spirit and Dust. Don’t miss a great start to your weekend! The Bellevue (Downstairs in The Food Court Area), 200 S. Broad St., 12 – 2pm, FREE, All Ages – The Deli Staff
 
Philadelphia

Deli Top Performer: Kurt Vile

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2009 will probably be a year that Kurt Vile will never forget. He had been an underground darling in the Philly indie music scene for quite some time, but he finally received what most musicians have dreamt about over and over again when Matador Records came knockin’ on his door requesting his John Hancock that made him the toast of the town. But besides all the awards, kind words and big shows, he also started down the path to the “American Dream” when he and his wife Suzanne purchased their first home (no doubt taking advantage of Obama’s first-time homeowner tax break), but nothing probably topped when he discovered that he would be bringing in another Vile into the world. When I interviewed him for the release of Childish Prodigy, he was gearing up to hit the first of what will be many long tours for Vile. While the energy seemed electric around him as I listened to the Violator’s drummer Mike Zangi gleefully talk with Vile’s father-in-law about their upcoming adventures, there was a Zen-like calm that surrounded Kurt as I watched him chat with fans after his solo acoustic set at a.k.a. Music. We snuck down an alleyway to chat and for him to grab a cigarette. He showed quite a sense of maturity as we discussed everything from his childhood to the recording process of Childish Prodigy to future plans to even strange false rumors that I had heard about him from random people (no, he isn’t a Dungeons & Dragons freak; in fact, he’s never even played the game). It doesn’t really matter what anyone says. 2009 was Kurt Vile’s year! myspace.com/kurtvileofphilly – Q.D. Tran

Philadelphia

Deli Top Performer: Drink Up Buttercup

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To see a Drink Up Buttercup show is to witness an untethered release of energy that, by fault of sheer natural talent, creates deliciously chaotic music. As they pound away on their assorted “instruments” – garbage cans, toy trucks, tool boxes – I am ceaselessly amazed that such theatricality can also produce their carefully constructed sound. Numerous times I’ve found myself thinking “who knew that, hitting that, would sound like that!?” This audio/visual conundrum is just one part of the allure that keeps you coming back for more. It’s their genre surfing collection of songs that really turn you into a total DUB addict.
 
It is nearly impossible to classify Drink Up Buttercup’s as strictly one kind of band or another. As they’ve evolved from just another rock band to their current state of being I’ve noticed a very intentional weaving of various genre elements. From the psych-rock echo in “Mr. Pie Eyes” to the chamber pop chorus in “Lovers Play Dead” to the alt country jangle of Young Ladies, they have drawn on numerous influences to build a very distinct Drink Up sound. Lyrically they consistently maintain a respectable obtuseness/wit ratio to secure their “indie” cred. It is often the play between the words and the music that really shape the song’s overall draw.  
 
The release of the forthcoming Born And Thrown On A Hook will truly define Drink Up Buttercup’s starting point and lay the tracks for greatness that is sure to follow. Be sure to pick it up when it is released on March 23rd, but be even more sure to catch the full Drink Up experience and see them live as I’m sure 2010 is going to be a big year for this Philly act. – Emma Zumberge, The World in a Paper Cup

 
Philadelphia

Sunshine Recorder Rains Down on JB’s Jan. 28

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If there ever was such a thing as ambient garage rock, Sunshine Recorder, the latest moniker for Christopher Coello’s sort-of-solo project, probably fits the bill. Coello is also part of The Cobbs, and while there are some similarities in tone, the name Sunshine Recorder should hint at the difference here: a sound that’s a bit brighter, more spacious, but losing none of its edge, like a drug-fueled walk through the desert at high noon. There may occasionally be some subtle electronic flourish, but Sunshine Recorder prove themselves to be a guitar band through and through, with the hard, propulsive drums serving mostly as an anchor to the hazy delay of the guitars. “Love in a Coma” has a hypnotic riff and a great vocal hook, while “Die Pretty” takes a darker turn, sounding borderline industrial with its cyclical drum pattern and fuzzed-out atmospherics. Catch Coello and co. over at Johnny Brenda’s where they’re sharing the bill with The Entrance Band and Lights. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave, 9 p.m., $10, 21+ myspace.com/sunshinerecorder666 (Photo by Ed Roper) – Joe Poteracki

 
Philadelphia

Enter the Madness That Is Whales & Cops at KFN Jan. 28

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Sometimes the band’s words just seem to describe them best.
 
“WhAlEs aNd cOpS=New lifestyle music and hermetic philosophy from erstwhile MAN MAN components Tiberius Lyn and G. Clinton Killingsworth…”

”brick bats, kendo classes, the falls, cargo cults, the vaporization of elugelab, alone in the wilderness, hai karate egg monsters, candy-colored clown!, man-eating trees, prison burpees, freeman dyson, suave homeless assholes, riddling fucks, yukon cornelius, the leather apron club, batshit billy with a boing-boing, cold statues of bitches, pajama’d cong, bobby fever, fist fights on the moon, wind-up sushi, bog man, food from a wooden spoon, weird ear, swiss rib side panels, caesar mohawks…crouton earrings, you’re going to jail…BuBbLeTaPe LoUnGe”

 
I know. You’re intrigued, and so am I. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 7:30pm, $7, 21+ myspace.com/wearewhalesandcops – H.M. Kauffman